Squeegee device and system

ABSTRACT

A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges. Alternatively, a cleaning medium is delivered from a source the surface through a squeegee configuration apertures for facilitating the dispensing the cleaning medium on to the surface.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This Application is a Continuation Application of the co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 10/246,175, entitled “Squeegee Device and System”,filed Jul. Sep. 17, 2000, which is a Divisional Application ofapplication Ser. No. 09/906,230, entitled “Squeegee Device and System”,filed Jul. 17, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,619 B2 which is aDivisional Application of application Ser. No. 09/330,704 also entitled“Squeegee Device and System” filed Jun. 11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,319,332, the contents of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,463,619, 6,319,332, and theapplication Ser. No. 10/246,175, entitled “Squeegee Device and System”are all hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to cleaning devices and cleaningsystems. More specifically the invention relates to cleaning devices andcleaning systems that clean surfaces through contact.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Cleaning a surface typically involves convection or contact ofthe surface with a cleaning medium, a mechanic device or a combinationof the two. A cleaning medium may be a gas or a liquid that is sprayedor distributed over the surface to remove dirt and debris. There arealso several known examples of chemical cleaning systems. For example,strong acids may be used to chemically break down residues on a surface,such as glass. Mechanical cleaning devices, like cleaning media, alsoinvolve contact with a surface. Typically, a mechanical cleaning device,such as a brush or a broom, is moved across a surface with a convectioncleaning motion to remove, loosen or sweep dirt and debris off thesurface.

[0004] Many common cleaning systems used for household, automobile andindustrial applications either use air or water as a cleaning mediumalong with brushes or absorbent materials. For example, a vacuum systemuses vacuum convention to suck dirt or debris from a surface while abrush, typically attached to an end of a vacuum hose, helps remove orloosen dirt from the surface and thus improving the efficiency andcleaning ability of the vacuum system. Floor cleaning systems commonlyinclude a mechanical mopping device and a bucket of soapy water. Like avacuum brush, the mechanical mopping device is used to loosen the dirtfrom the surface and the soapy water, like vacuum convection, provides amedium to remove dirt away or off from the surface.

[0005] There are many different cleaning systems, cleaning media andmechanical cleaning devices available for different cleaningapplications. Each system, medium or device has specific cleaningcharacteristics tailored for their specific application. Ultimately, thecharacteristics of a cleaning system, cleaning medium or cleaning deviceare tailored to thoroughly clean a surface cheaply and efficientlywithout causing damage to the surface.

PRIOR ART

[0006] One of the most common mechanical cleaning devices is a brushcleaning device. A brush cleaning device, herein, refers to a devicewith a group or several groupings of bristles. A simple brush cleaningdevice has one set of bristles that is connected to a handle, such as afloor broom, is used to whisk dirt off a floor surface. Besideshousehold cleaning devices, brushes also are used as applicators forapplying liquids or powders to surfaces. Brush devices are also used forgrooming hair and for cleaning dentition. Steel or metal brushes areoften used for cleaning applications where very abrasive cleaning isrequired to remove a strongly adhered residue, as for example, whencleaning a barbecue grill.

[0007] A second common type of mechanical cleaning device is a spongedevice. A sponge device is made of an absorbent material, such asnaturally occurring sponge plants, or a porous synthetic material. Inthe broadest sense, a sponge cleaning device, herein, is also refers towash clothes and other woven absorbent materials. Sponge devices areparticularly well suited to be used in combination with soapy water toclean surfaces where low abrasion is required.

[0008] A third common cleaning device is a scouring pad cleaning device.A scouring pad cleaning device is particularly useful for cleaningsurface that require a high degree of abrasion to remove a residue.Scouring pad cleaning devices, like sponge cleaning devices, are usuallyhand held devices but with rough or gritty surfaces. Several knowncleaning devices combine the cleaning properties of a scouring pad and asponge cleaning device. Scouring pad, herein, also refers to sandingpaper, steel wool and other fibrous materials with abrasive surfaceproperties. Caution is usual required when using scouring cleaningdevices, because they are capable of damaging many common surfaces.Therefore, scouring pad cleaning devices are typically only used toclean very hard robust surfaces or where the intended result is toremove a surface layer in a polishing operation.

[0009] Yet another type of cleaning device is a squeegee cleaningdevice. A squeegee cleaning device is typically made of a soft malleablematerial that is held in a linear fashion and used for displacing wateror cleaning solutions from hard smooth flat surface, such as glass.Squeegees have cleaning characteristics, which help prevent undesirablestreaks during cleaning of reflective surfaces, such as glass. Thus,squeegee cleaning devices are particularly useful for cleaning windowsand automobile windshields.

[0010] While there are clearly many options when choosing a cleaningsystem, medium or device for a particular cleaning task, many of thedevices and systems described above fall short of an ideal cleaningdevice or system, even when they are used for their intendedapplication. In particular none of the prior art cleaning devices areoptimized for cleaning a surface where the surface is soiled with a softresidue which is strongly adhered to the surface.

[0011] A dish brush, when used in combination with soapy water,generally does not clean dishes, pots or pan efficiently if a foodresidue is strongly adhered to the surface of the dish, pot or pan. Thissituation arises, for example, when spaghetti sauce has either baked onor has dried on to the inside of a cooking pot. The spaghetti sauceresidue, while not particularly hard, exhibits excellent adhesion to thewalls of the pot. A dish brush, when used in combination with soapywater, relies on soap suds and the brush convection of the soapy waterto provide a significant amount of the cleaning action. The brush itselfdoes not provide for the high degree of surface contact required toremove the residue. In cases where soap suds and convection have littleor no effect on a residue because of its excellent adhesion propertiesor low solubility in the soapy water, a brush device generally does notefficiently clean the surface, even if the residue is soft.

[0012] Despite the shortcomings of a dish brush cleaning device, it isoften preferred over a sponge cleaning device, for several reasons.Firstly, while a sponge cleaning device will provide for more efficientsurface contact than the brush, a sponge does not always providesufficient abrasion or surface contact pressure required to remove aresidues. Secondly, a sponge cleaning device is typically hand-held andusually requires the operator's hands to become immersed in the soapywater, which can be an unpleasant experience in the case of cleaningspaghetti sauce residue from the surface of a pot. Lastly, a spongecleaning device can become irreparably soiled and stained by residues,such as spaghetti sauce, making the sponge cleaning device a highlyunattractive addition to the kitchen sink area.

[0013] A souring pad device will generally provide sufficient abrasionand surface contact to remove residues from a surface but suffers fromall other shortcomings of a sponge cleaning device. Further, a scouringpad cleaning device may destroy or ruin the surface being cleaned,especially if the surface is a cooking pot with a non-stick surfacecoating.

[0014] A second example where known cleaning devices fail to provideefficient cleaning is in cleaning porcelain surfaces. Porcelain is usedto fabricate sinks, tubs and deification receptacles, such as toiletbowls, urinals and the like. Stains and fecal material are not readilyremoved from porcelain surfaces with brush cleaning devices for the samereasons that a brush device does not efficiently remove spaghetti saucefrom a pot. A sponge cleaning device also fails to be an ideal cleaningtool for cleaning porcelain surfaces for reasons already mentioned. Amore severe limitation of brush and sponge cleaning devices for cleaningporcelain deification receptacles, is that after a single use thecleaning devices can become unsanitary, unsightly and smelly due toresidual residue material that gets stuck and is retained between thebristle of the brush device or is strongly absorbed within the spongematerial.

[0015] Yet another situation where currently available cleaning devicefail is in providing for efficient cleaning of enamel surfaces such asteeth or dentition and the like. A toothbrush is the most commoncleaning device used for cleaning surfaces of teeth and gum tissue. Atooth brush, unfortunately, is an inefficient device for removing plaqueand stains from the enamel surfaces of teeth an is poorly suited forcleaning the surfaces of gum tissue. The inefficiency arises becauseplaque, while relatively soft, strongly adheres to enamel surfaces ofthe teeth. Further, plaque is not readily removed from the enamelsurfaces by brush convection with water and toothpaste. Thus, in orderto remove all the plaque from the enamel surfaces of the teeth, bristlesmust contact each point on surfaces of the teeth. Even where bristles ofthe toothbrush contact enamel surfaces of the teeth during a cleaningoperation, the toothbrush generally fails to remove stains. A furthershortcoming of a tooth brush is that bristle sections of the tooth brushhave a propensity to retain water and material that is removed from theteeth after a cleaning operation. A toothbrush will usually remain moistbetween uses and thus provides an excellent place for the cultivation ofbacteria, germs and the like. Yet another shortcoming of a toothbrush isthat the toothbrush is too abrasive for cleaning or messaging thesurfaces of gum tissue. Thus, dentists generally recommend that theirpatients use a soft bristled tooth brush. This advise is kindly ignoredby most patients because they find that their teeth feel cleaner when amedium or firm bristled tooth brush is used to clean their teeth. Evenif a soft bristled toothbrush is used regularly, after years ofbrushing, gum recession can result from toothbrush abrasion. Gumrecession is a condition that exposes highly sensitive portions of theteeth and ultimately leads to temperature sensitivity of the teeth.Temperature sensitivity of the teeth can become so severe for peoplewith gum recession that they can not enjoy warm and hot drinks, such ascoffee or tea, or eat cold treats, such as ice cream.

[0016] There is a need, therefore, for a cleaning device and system thatefficiently removes residues from surfaces of materials typically foundin the household and in industry. A cleaning device and systempreferably removes residues with strong adhesion to the surfaces without causing a high degree of abrasion to the surface. More importantly,there is a need for a cleaning device and system that efficientlyremoves residues, such as plaque, from dentition without causingdeleterious abrasion to surrounding gum tissue that can lead to gumrecession.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0017] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention toprovide a squeegee cleaning device and system with a squeegee cleaningportion that provides for a plurality of primary squeegee actiondirections. The squeegee portion has squeegee segments made from softmalleable materials that efficiently remove residues from surfacesthrough low abrasion contact with the surface in several directions.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asqueegee cleaning device and system with a squeegee cleaning portionthat provides a plurality of squeegees and a plurality primary squeegeeaction directions. A squeegee cleaning portion with a plurality ofsqueegees and a plurality of primary squeegee action directions isparticularly well suited for cleaning irregular or contoured surfaces.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asqueegee cleaning device and system with a squeegee portion thatprovides for a plurality directionally dependent primary squeegeedirections. The squeegee cleaning device is particularly useful forcleaning applications where directionally dependent cleaning action isrequired or preferred.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asqueegee cleaning device and system with a squeegee cleaning portionthat has contoured squeegee segments. Contoured squeegee segments alterthe mechanical properties and cleaning characteristics of the squeegeecleaning portion.

[0021] In is further object of the present invention to provide asqueegee cleaning device and system that has a squeegee portion withsqueegee segments that protrude from a flexible squeegee support. Theflexible squeegee support helps to ensure even cleaning pressures of thesqueegee segments across a surface.

[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide amulti-functional squeegee cleaning device and system that has a squeegeeportion with a plurality of squeegee directions and a sponge, a scouringor a brush cleaning portion. The squeegee cleaning device with asqueegee cleaning portion and a sponge, scouring or brush cleaningportion can be used to clean a variety of surfaces.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asqueegee cleaning device and system with a squeegee cleaning portionthat has a plurality of primary squeegee action directions and bristles,wherein the bristles extend substantially farther than the squeegeemember. In addition to the cleaning action of the squeegee cleaningportion, the squeegee cleaning portion serves as a contour guide toensure that the surface being cleaned is not damaged by excessive orabrasive cleaning action of the bristles.

[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide ahand-held squeegee cleaning device with a squeegee cleaning portion anda template holding portion, wherein the squeegee cleaning portion is anextendible/retractable or removable squeegee portion. The squeegeecleaning portion can be retracted or removed for application where thesqueegee portion is not preferred. Further, in the embodiment where thesqueegee cleaning portion is detachable, alternative squeegee portionsmay be used.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide avacuum squeegee cleaning system with a squeegee cleaning portion,wherein the squeegee cleaning portion is attachable to a vacuum sourceand a vacuum is drawn through the squeegee cleaning portion.

[0026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide watersqueegee cleaning system with a squeegee cleaning portion, wherein thesqueegee cleaning portion is attachable to a water delivery source andwater is delivered through the squeegee cleaning portion.

[0027] It is a further object of the present invention to provide rotarysqueegee cleaning system with a squeegee cleaning portion, wherein thesqueegee cleaning portion is attachable to a rotary device to provide arotary squeegee cleaning action to a surface.

[0028] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anextendible rotary cleaning system with a contoured rotary squeegeecleaning portion. The contoured rotary squeegee cleaning portion iscapable of being extending into a vessel or cavity and delivers a rotarycleaning action to inner walls of the vessel or cavity.

[0029] It is a further object of the present invention to provide asqueegee dentition cleaning system, wherein the system has a dentitionsqueegee cleaning section having a plurality of primary squeegeedirections for removing plaque, stains and the like from the surfaces ofteeth while also cleaning and massaging gum tissue without excessiveabrasion. Further, the squeegee dentition cleaning system may be usedwith cleaning solutions that are delivered through pump device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The cleaning device and system of the current invention has asqueegee cleaning portion configured with one or more elongated squeegeeprotruding from a squeegee support and extending in a plurality ofdirections. Because the squeegee segments extend in a plurality ofdirections from the squeegee support, the squeegee cleans a surface in aplurality of cleaning directions, which correspond to directionssubstantially normal to squeegee elongation directions. Linear squeegeedevices known in the art contact a surface and clean the surface with asingle linear back and forth direction. Since the squeegee cleaningdevice and system, of the current invention contact a surface and cleanthe surface with several non-parallel back and forth directions, theinvention is coined as an efficient squeegee cleaning device and system.

[0031] The squeegee cleaning portion of the current invention hasseveral alternative squeegee configurations, which provide for aplurality of squeegee cleaning directions. Useful squeegeeconfigurations include, but are not limited to linear squeegee segments,continuous spiraling squeegees, circular squeegees and combinationsthereof. Elongated squeegees are preferably made of soft malleablematerials such as rubber, silicone and urethane. The surfaces of thesqueegees are contoured or modified to alter their cleaning propertiesaccording the intended cleaning application.

[0032] The squeegee cleaning portion preferably has a contoured squeegeesupport that is compressible and allows protruding squeegees to readilyconform to irregular surfaces. The contoured squeegee support may alsobe attached to a cleaning head, thus forming a cushion cavity betweenthe contoured squeegee support and the cleaning head. The rigidity ofthe cushion cavity can be altered by filling the cushion cavity with avariety of materials including air, gels and silicones.

[0033] In one embodiment of the current invention, the squeegee cleaningportion also has a sponge section, scouring pad section or a brushsection, which protrudes from the squeegee support. Alternatively, asponge portion, scouring pad portion or a brush portion is attached tothe edge of the squeegee support or positioned at the back side of thesqueegee support to provide a multi-functional cleaning device.

[0034] In yet another embodiment of the current invention the squeegeecleaning portion is attachable to a vacuum source, wherein a vacuum isdrawn through the squeegee cleaning portion or the squeegee cleaningportion is attachable to a water delivery source and water is deliveredthrough the squeegee cleaning portion.

[0035] In yet other embodiments of the current invention, squeegeecleaning portions are capable of being attached to rotary devices andare configured to provide rotary cleaning action. These embodiments areuseful for cleaning walls of containers, cleaning out pipes or plumbingbut may also be used to clean flat surfaces such as floors. Further,rotary squeegee cleaning portions can be miniaturized to have medialapplications.

[0036] Particular embodiments of the squeegee cleaning device andsystem, described herein, have household and industrial cleaningapplications such as for cleaning dishes, porcelain and other hardsurface. The invention also is particularly useful for cleaningdentition without causing deleterious abrasion to the surrounding gumtissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037]FIGS. 1a-f show several prior art cleaning devices.

[0038]FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective view of an elongated linearsqueegee protruding from a support.

[0039]FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective view of an elongated curvedsqueegee member protruding from a support.

[0040]FIG. 2c compares the primary squeegee directions provided by thelinear squeegee member of FIG. 2a and the curved squeegee member of FIG.2b.

[0041]FIG. 3a-m show a top perspective views of several squeegeeconfigurations.

[0042]FIGS. 4a-d show several squeegee configurations that exhibitdirectionally dependent primary squeegee directions.

[0043]FIGS. 5a-d show several squeegee configurations with squeegeesections and sponge, scouring pad or bristle sections.

[0044]FIG. 6a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a squeegee sectionwith several circular squeegee members protruding from a squeegeesupport.

[0045]FIG. 6b illustrates a squeegee cleaning device with a detachablesqueegee section.

[0046]FIGS. 7a-d show cross-sectional views of several squeegee portionswith near circular concentric squeegees walls protruding from a singlesqueegee member and several variations thereof.

[0047]FIGS. 8a-b illustrate squeegee cleaning devices of the currentinvention with contoured squeegee support members attached to cleaningheads.

[0048]FIG. 9 illustrates a cleaning device with a contoured squeegeesupport member and a front convex surface attached to a wire-likesupporting device with a handle.

[0049]FIGS. 10a-b show two configurations of hand-held squeegee cleaningdevices of the current invention with sponge portions attached.

[0050]FIGS. 11a-f show several squeegee segments with contouredprotruding edges used in the cleaning device and system of the currentinvention.

[0051]FIGS. 12a-d show several squeegee segments with contoured squeegeewalls used in the cleaning device and system of the current invention.

[0052]FIGS. 13a-b illustrate a perspective view and a top perspectiveview of a continuous squeegee member with contoured squeegee walls and acontoured protruding squeegee edge.

[0053]FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a squeegee cleaning portionthat provides for rotary squeegee cleaning action.

[0054]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a contoured squeegee cleaningportion that provides for rotary squeegee cleaning action and isattachable to a rotary devices or an extendable rotary device forcleaning inner walls of cavities and vessels.

[0055]FIG. 16 is a hand-held cleaning device of the current inventionfor cleaning surfaces.

[0056]FIG. 17 is dentition squeegee cleaning device made in accordancewith the current invention for cleaning teeth without deleteriousabrasion to surrounding gum tissue.

[0057]FIGS. 18a-c are preferred squeegee cleaning portions used in adentition squeegee cleaning device in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Although the following detailed description contains manyspecifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to thefollowing details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly,the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forthwithout any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitationsupon, the claimed invention.

[0059]FIGS. 1a-f show several prior art cleaning devices. Many typicalcleaning devices employ a brush portion or brush sections that areattached to a supporting structure with a handle. Examples include: atoothbrush 10 with a brush portion 11 supported by handle structure 13,as shown in FIG. 1a; a dish brush 20 with a brush portion 21 and ahandle supporting structure 23, as shown in FIG. 1b; and a toilet brush30 with a multi-directional brush portion 31 connected to a handlesupport structure 33, as shown in FIG. 1c. A sponge 40, illustrated inFIG. 1d, is typically made from a porous absorbent material. The sponge40, as shown, is a rectangular sponge 40, be can be any shape. A sponge40, like the brush devices described above, is often attached to asupport structure with a handle (not shown). Sponge, herein refers toany absorbent material for cleaning surfaces, including woven cloths andthe like. A scouring pad 50, as shown in FIG. 1e, is typically made fromsteel wool or other abrasive materials. Scouring pads are often attachedto a surface of a sponge or connected to a brush device to provide for amulti-functional cleaning device (not shown). A typical squeegee device60, is shown in FIG. 1f. The squeegee cleaning device 60 has a linearelongated squeegee member 61 that is held in a linear fashion by asupporting structure 65 equipped with a handle 63. The linear elongatedsqueegee 61 is generally made of a soft rubber material that providesfor a squeegee cleaning action when the device 60 is dragged across aflat smooth surface. The squeegee device 60, illustrated herein, isgenerally used to clean windows.

[0060]FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of a squeegee structure 99 with asqueegee member 98 that protrudes from a support member 100 in aprotruding direction 108. The squeegee member 98 has a protruding edge101 that contacts a surface during a cleaning operation. The squeegeemember 98 is elongated in an elongation direction 107 with two elongatedsqueegee walls 103/104. At any point on the surface of the squeegeewalls 103/104, the squeegee member 98 has a squeegee wall thickness 105.The primary squeegee direction 109 is defined, herein, as a directionthat is normal to the elongation direction 107. Thus, the linearelongated squeegee 98 provides for one primary squeegee direction,regardless of the protruding angle 97 or curvature of the squeegee wallin the protruding direction 108. For clarity and descriptive purpose,squeegee members and squeegee supports are usually described asseparated elements. However, it is clear that squeegee members andsqueegee supports may be a singular element and made of the samematerial. Further, the shapes of supports are not limited to circles orsquares generally used, herein, for descriptive purposes; a squeegeesupport may take any shape or form that is reasonable for theapplication at hand.

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the current invention provides for asqueegee cleaning device and system with a squeegee cleaning portionthat provides for at least two primary squeegee directions. Preferablythe two primary squeegee directions are orthogonal and substantiallynormal to squeegee elongation directions. More preferably, the squeegeecleaning portion of the current invention provides for primary squeegeedirections in all directions that are substantially normal to squeegeeelongation directions. Most preferably, the squeegee cleaning portion ofthe current invention provides for a plurality of primary squeegeedirections in all directions that are substantially normal to squeegeeelongation directions. The squeegee configurations employed in thesqueegee cleaning portion of the present invention do not need toprotrude from a squeegee support member in a direction that is normal tothe surface of the support member. In fact, for many cleaningapplications it is preferred that the squeegee configurations havesqueegee members that protrude in off normal directions from a squeegeesupport. Further, the squeegee cleaning action, referring to the numberof squeegees or cleaning characteristics of squeegees, does not need tobe equal in all primary squeegee directions. Several squeegeeconfigurations used in the squeegee cleaning portion of the currentinvention provide for a plurality of primary squeegee directions wherethere are more or less squeegee protruding edges that contact a surfacein one direction than in another. Also, the squeegee cleaning action canbe modified in any direction by providing a squeegee configuration thathas directionally varied squeegee thicknesses as described below.

[0062]FIG. 2b illustrates a squeegee structure 110 with a curvedsqueegee member 121 that is curved in the elongation directions 127.Curved squeegee members, such as 121 are particularly useful in thecurrent invention. Geometric considerations will reveal that each pointon the curved squeegee wall 122/123 corresponds to a primary squeegeedirection in the direction that is normal to a tangent line of thesqueegee curvature. For example points 131,133 and 135 have tangentlines of curvature 151, 153 and 155, respectively, and the correspondingprimary squeegee directions 141, 143 and 145. FIG. 2b compares theprimary squeegee directions provided by the linear squeegee member ofFIG. 2a and the curved squeegee member of FIG. 2b. It can be seen fromFIG. 2c, that the curved squeegee member 168 can be moved in a set ofdirections 173 to contact a single point 163 with a primary squeegeeaction. While the linear squeegee 169 can only be moved in one direction171 to contact a point 161 in a primary squeegee direction.

[0063]FIGS. 3a-m illustrate top perspective views of several alternativesqueegee configurations that provide for a plurality of primary squeegeedirections. FIG. 3a shows a squeegee configuration 200 with twoelongated squeegee members 199/201 that protrude from a support member12. Because the squeegee members 199/201 are positioned in an angledfashion, the squeegee configuration 200 provides for two primarysqueegee directions that are substantially normal to the twocorresponding elongation directions of the squeegee members 199 and 201.FIG. 3b shows a squeegee configurations 202 with a plurality of linearsqueegee segment members 203/205 positioned at alternating angles andprotruding from several positions of a support member 14. FIG. 3cillustrates a squeegee configuration 204 with a curved elongatedsqueegee member 207 that protrudes from a support member 16. The curvedor cupped squeegee configuration 204 provides for primary squeegeedirections in all directions of a plane substantially parallel to thesqueegee member 207 elongation directions. However, the squeegeeconfiguration 204 does not provide for equal squeegee actions in alldirections, because the squeegee member 207 will squeegee a surfacetwice each time the squeegee member 207 is moved with a sidewayscleaning motion, but will squeegee a surface once for each up or downcleaning motion. Thus, the squeegee configuration 204 provides for aplurality of directionally dependent primary squeegee directions. FIG.3d illustrates a squeegee configurations 206 with several cuppedsqueegee members 209/211 that protrude from a support member 18 with thesqueegee members 209 and 211 cupped in opposite directions. FIG. 3eshows a squeegee configuration 208 with a continuous circular squeegeemember 213 protruding from a support member 22. The continuous circularsqueegee member 213 forms an inner squeegee region 232 and an outersqueegee region 234. Like the cupped squeegee configuration 204, thesqueegee configuration 208 provides for primary squeegee directions inall directions of a plane substantially parallel to the elongationdirections of the circular squeegee member 213. However, the circularsqueegee configuration 208 provides for a plurality directionallyindependent primary squeegee directions. FIG. 3f illustrates a squeegeeconfiguration 210 with several continuous circular squeegee members 215,217 and 219 protruding from a support member 24 that form a concentricset of squeegees with circular channels 236 and 236′. The set ofconcentric continuous circular squeegee members provide for a pluralityof primary squeegee directions in all directions of a planesubstantially normal to the squeegee elongation directions. FIG. 3gshows a squeegee configuration 212 with a spiraling squeegee member 221protruding from a squeegee support member 26. The spiraling squeegeemember 221 forms a spiraling squeegee channel 238 and provides for aplurality of primary squeegee directions in all directions of a planesubstantially normal to the squeegee elongation directions. FIG. 3hshows a squeegee configuration 214 with a plurality of spiralingsqueegee members 223 and 225 protruding from a squeegee support member28 to provide a plurality of primary squeegee directions in alldirections of a plane substantially normal to the squeegee elongationdirections. FIG. 3i also shows a squeegee configuration 216 with aspiraling squeegee member 227 protruding from a squeegee support member32. The squeegee member 227 spirals in a substantially rectangularfashion and forms a rectangular-like squeegee channel 240. The squeegeeconfiguration 216 provides for directionally dependent squeegee action,wherein a diagonal cleaning motion will give a different squeegee actionthan a sideways or up and down cleaning motion. FIG. 3j and FIG. 3killustrated squeegee configurations 218 and 220 that have squeegeesegments protruding from a squeegee support members 34 and 36,respectively, where the squeegee segments are positioned at alternatingangles on the squeegee support members 34/36. FIG. 3j shows linearsqueegee segments 229 and 231 positioned at near to right anglesrelative to each other and forming a rectangular segmented squeegeeconfiguration 218. FIG. 3k shows squeegee configuration 220 comprisingcurved squeegee segments 235 that are positioned to from the circularsegmented squeegee configurations 220, wherein the squeegee segments 235are positioned within a inner squeegee region of a larger circularcontinuous squeegee member 233. FIG. 3l and FIG. 3m illustrate yet othersqueegee configurations 222 and 224 that have squeegee membersprotruding from a squeegee support members 38 and 42. In FIG. 3l thesqueegee configuration 222 has cross-type of squeegee segments 237. Theconfiguration 222 also has squeegee member 239 with a major squeegeesegment 243 crossed with smaller intersecting squeegee segments 241 thatare positioned at near to right angles relative to the major squeegeesegment 243. In FIG. 3m the squeegee configuration 224 has squigglingsqueegee members 245 protruding from a squeegee support member 42 toprovide several primary squeegee directions.

[0064]FIGS. 4a-d illustrate several squeegee configurations that, inaddition to providing for primary squeegee action directions in alldirections of a plane substantially normal to protruding directions ofsqueegee members, also provide for directionally dependent primarysqueegee actions. FIG. 4a shows a squeegee configuration 300 withseveral circular squeegee members 303, 303′ and 303″ protruding from acircular squeegee support member 301. Within, the inner squeegee regionof the circular squeegee members 303, 303′ and 303″ there are linearsqueegee segments 305, 305′ and 305″, respectively. The linear squeegeesegments 305, 305′ and 305″ only provide for primary squeegee actionswhen the squeegee configuration 300 is moved on a surface with an upwardor a downward cleaning motion. The linear squeegee segments 305, 305′and 305″ do not, however, provide primary squeegee actions when thesqueegee configuration 300 is moved on a surface with a sidewayscleaning motion. FIG. 4b illustrates an alternative squeegeeconfiguration 302 that provides for directionally dependent primarysqueegee action. Linear squeegee segments 311 are positioned in thesqueegee channel 308 of a spiraling rectangular squeegee member 309 thatprotrudes from a squeegee support member 307. In this example, thelinear segments 311 only provide for additional primary squeegee actionswhen the squeegee configuration 302 is moved on a surface with asideways cleaning motion. FIG. 4c shows a squeegee configuration 304with two non-concentrically positioned circular squeegee members 315 and317 protruding from a circular squeegee support member 304. In thesqueegee configurations 304, it is the non-concentric channel spacing314 between the squeegee members 315 and 317 that provides fordirectionally dependent primary squeegee actions. FIG. 4d shows adifferent squeegee configuration 306 that provides for directionallydependent squeegee action. The squeegee configuration 306 comprises tworectangular squeegee members 320 and 322. The longer squeegee walls 321and 323 of the rectangular squeegees, 320 and 322, are thin while theshorter squeegee walls, 319 and 325, are thick. In this way the primarysqueegee action is made to be different when the squeegee configuration306 is moved on a surface with a sideways cleaning motion rather thanwhen it is moved on a surface with an upward or a downward cleaningmotion. It is clear that there are many alternative squeegeeconfiguration that can provide for directionally dependent squeegeeactions by variations of squeegee geometries, squeegee configurations,squeegee thicknesses, squeegee materials and combinations thereof.

[0065]FIGS. 5a-d show top perspective views of several cleaning portionsconfigured with squeegee sections and brush sections, sponge sectionsscouring pad sections, medium ports or combination thereof. FIG. 5ashows a cleaning portion 400 with a spiraling rectangular squeegee 403protruding from a rectangular support member 407. In therectangular-like squeegee channel 404 there are several brush sections405, 405′ and 405″ protruding from the support member. Around theoutside of the spiraling rectangular squeegee member 403 there is asponge section 402 attached to the support member. The cleaning sectionconfiguration 400 provides for the cleaning characteristics of asqueegee, a brush and a sponge. FIG. 5b illustrates a cleaning portionconfiguration 401 with squeegee members 409,409′ and 409″ protrudingfrom a circular support member 413. Within the inner squeegee region ofthe circular squeegee members 409, 409′ and 409″ there are bristlessections 411, 411′ and 411″. Attached to the support member 413 andpositioned at the outer squeegee regions of the circular members 409,409′ and 409″ there is a scouring material 414. The cleaning sectionconfiguration 401 provides for the cleaning characteristics of asqueegee, a brush and a scouring pad. FIG. 5c shows a cleaning portionconfiguration 404 comprising of squeegee segments 416 and 417 protrudingfrom a rectangular support member 415 and forming a segmentedrectangular squeegee configuration. Within the segmented rectangularsqueegee configuration, there is a substantially rectangular brushsection 419 protruding from the support member 415. This cleaningportion configuration is useful for cleaning applications where brushand squeegee cleaning characteristics are required. FIG. 5d illustratesa cleaning portion configuration 406 with a spiraling squeegee member423 protruding from a circular support member 421 and forming a spiralchannel 422. There are several medium ports 425,425′ and 425″ positionedat the parameter of the spiraling squeegee 423 and within the spiralingchannel 422. The medium ports 425,425′ and 425″ provide a means fordirecting a medium to a surface during a cleaning operation or fordrawing a vacuum near a surface during a vacuum cleaning operation ofthe surface. The cleaning portion configuration 406 further includes abrush section 427 attached substantially central to the support member421. The cleaning portion configuration 406 is particularly useful wherea cleaning medium such water is required or where vacuum convection isneeded. The cleaning portion configuration 406 also may be attached to arotary device to provide a rotary cleaning action to a surface during acleaning operation. It is clear that there are several variations ofcleaning portion configurations that will provide for multiple cleaningcharacteristics that are within the scope of the invention.

[0066]FIG. 6a illustrates a cross sectional view of a squeegee support501 with curved sectional squeegee members 503,505 and 507. FIG. 6bshows a cleaning device 500 with a detachable squeegee portion 510 and atemplate portion 512. The detachable squeegee portion 510 has a handle509 for inserting squeegee portion 510 in and removing the squeegeeportion 508 from the template portion 512. The template portion has areceiving section 511, with channeled slots 506, 504 and 508. With thesqueegee portion in an inserted position and engaged, the squeegeemembers 503, 505 and 507 protrude through the channeled slots 506, 504and 508, respectively. On the surface 514 of the template receivingsection 511, there are bristle sections 502,502′ and 502″. Preferablythe template section 512 has a handle 513 for providing extendedcleaning capabilities. The cleaning device 500 shown, and its obviousvariants, have several advantages. The squeegee portion 510 and thetemplate section 512 can be used for cleaning surfaces independently.Several squeegee sections (not shown) with similar squeegeeconfigurations, but with different cleaning properties, can be used inplace of the squeegee portion 510 shown. Additionally, the squeegeeportion 510 is self-cleaned when it is removed from the template portion512.

[0067]FIGS. 7a-d show cross-sectional views of several squeegee cleaningportion configurations with squeegee sections having substantiallycircular squeegee edges that protrude from squeegee support members. Forexample, FIG. 7a shows a cross-sectional view of a squeegee cleaningportion 602 with a squeegee member 622 attached to a support member 62.The squeegee member has four substantially circular protruding squeegeeedges 619, 621, 622 and 625. Positioned substantially in the center of,and attached to the squeegee member 622, is a brush section 620. FIG. 7bshows cross-sectional view of a squeegee cleaning portion 604 with asqueegee member 632 attached to a support member 64. The squeegee member632 has four substantially circular protruding squeegee edges 631, 633,635 and 637. The protruding squeegee edges protrude in an alternatingfashion with squeegee edges 633 and 637 protruding farther than squeegeeedges 631 and 635. Positioned substantially in the center of thesqueegee member 632, and attached to the squeegee member 632 is a brushsection 630. FIG. 7c shows cross-sectional view of a squeegee cleaningportion 606 with a squeegee member 642 attached to a support member 66.The squeegee member 642 has four substantially circular protrudingsqueegee edges 641, 643, 645 and 647. The protruding squeegee edgesprotrude in a cascade fashion with the squeegee edge 641 protrudingfarthest and the squeegee edge 647 protruding the least. Positionedsubstantially in the center of the squeegee member 642, and attached tothe squeegee member 642 is a brush section 640. FIG. 7d showscross-sectional view of a squeegee cleaning portion 608 with a squeegeemember 652 attached to a support member 68. The squeegee member 652 hasthree substantially circular protruding squeegee edges 651, 653, and655. The protruding squeegee edges are spatially displaced such that thedistance between protruding squeegee edges 651 and 653 is greater thanthe distance between protruding squeegee edges 653 and 655. In thisconfiguration there are two brush section 650 and 660. The brush section650 is positioned substantially in the center squeegee member 652 whilethe brush section 660 is a continuous circular brush section thatpositioned in the circular channel defined by the protruding squeegeeedges 651 and 653.

[0068]FIGS. 8a-b illustrate cross sectional views of cleaning deviceswith circular squeegee members protruding from curved contoured squeegeesupport members. FIG. 8a shows a cross sectional view of a cleaningdevice 700 with circular squeegee members 701, 703 and 705 protrudingfrom a curved contoured squeegee support 707 to form a convex contactsurface with the protruding edges of the squeegee members 701, 703 and705. The edge 710 of the squeegee support 707 is attached to a cleaninghead 713 such that the concave back surface of the squeegee support 708and a top surface of the cleaning head 706 form a cushion cavity 711.The cushion cavity 711 allows the convex contact surface to conform toan irregular surfaces during cleaning operations. In a preferredembodiment, the cushion cavity 711 is filled with air that is allowed toescape through an orifice 704 in the cleaning head 713 when pressure isapplied to the squeegee members 701, 703 and 705. FIG. 8b shows acleaning device 720 with circular squeegee members 721, 723 and 725protruding from a curved contoured squeegee support 727 to form a convexcontact surface with the protruding edges of the squeegee members 721,723 and 725. The edge 730 of the squeegee support 727 is attached to acleaning head 733 such that the concave back surface of the squeegeesupport 728 and a top surface of the cleaning head 726 form a cushioncavity 731. Filling the cushion cavity 731 with a liquid or a gel, suchas silicone gel can modify the rigidity of the cushion cavity 731. Thecleaning device 720 has a brush section 724 attached substantially inthe center of the contoured squeegee support 727 and a brush portion 722attached to the back surface of the cleaning head 729. While it ispreferred that the squeegee members are circular, any of the numeroussqueegee configurations described, herein, can be attached to acontoured squeegee support. Squeegee cleaning devices such as thosedescribed in FIG. 8a-b, and variations thereof, are especially usefulfor cleaning irregular surfaces and surfaces where excessive pressure ofa cleaning device can cause damage to the surface.

[0069]FIG. 9 illustrates a squeegee cleaning device 800 with threesubstantially circular squeegee members 803, 805 and 807 protruding froma flexible contoured squeegee support member 801. An edge of thesqueegee support member 801 is attached to a wire like support 809 thatis equipped with a handle 813. The convex back surface of the contouredsqueegee member 811 is capable of being deformed when pressure isapplied to the squeegee members 803, 805 and 807. Thus the squeegeecleaning device 800 readily conforms to the contoured or irregularsurfaces during a cleaning operation.

[0070]FIGS. 10a-b illustrate two hand held squeegee cleaning deviceswith circular squeegees protruding from contoured squeegee supportmembers and with sponge portions attached. FIG. 10a shows a cleaningdevice 900 with substantially circular squeegees members 901, 903 and905 protruding in an angular fashion from a convex surface of acontoured squeegee support 907 to form a convex cleaning contact surfacewith the protruding edges of the squeegee members 901, 903 and 905. On aback surface of the squeegee support 907 a sponge portion 909 isattached. The cleaning device 900 is particularly useful for cleaningdishes or for other applications where a compact hand held cleaningdevice is preferred. FIG. 10b shows a squeegee cleaning device 920 withsubstantially circular squeegees members 921, 923 and 925 protrudingfrom a convex surface of a contoured squeegee support 927 to form asubstantially planar cleaning contact surface with the protruding edgesof the squeegee members 921, 923 and 925. On a back surface of thesqueegee support 927 a sponge portion 929 is attached. The planarcleaning contact surface of the squeegee cleaning device 920 formed bythe circular squeegee members 921,923 and 925 serves as a squeegeecleaning portion and as a convenient draining platform for resting anddrying the sponge portion 929 after use. While several specificembodiments of the current invention illustrate cleaning devices withcircular, spiraling and other continuous or elongated squeegee members,squeegee cleaning devices with several elongated linear squeegee segmentmembers are preferred for many cleaning applications.

[0071]FIG. 11a shows a squeegee segment 75 with a planar protruding edge76. FIGS. 11b-f illustrate several squeegee segments with contouredprotruding squeegee edges. FIG. 11b illustrates a squeegee segment 77with a V-shaped indented protruding edge 78; FIG. 11c illustrates asqueegee segment 79 with a curve convex contoured protruding edge 80;FIG. 11d shows a squeegee segment 81 with a concave contoured protrudingsqueegee edge 82; FIG. 11e shows a squeegee segment 83 with a diagonallycontoured protruding squeegee edge 84; and FIG. 11f shows a squeegeesegment 85 with a pointed protruding edge 86. Squeegee cleaning devicesthat have squeegee members with contoured segments, such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 11b-f, provide a harsher cleaning action than asimilar squeegee cleaning devices with squeegee members with planarsqueegee segments, such as illustrated in FIG. 11a.

[0072]FIGS. 12a-d illustrate several squeegee segments with contouredsqueegee walls. FIG. 12a illustrates a squeegee segment 170 with aplanar protruding edge 171 and a concave squeegee wall 173; FIG. 12billustrates a squeegee segment 180 with a planar pointed protruding edge181 and tapered squeegee walls 183/184; FIG. 12c illustrates a squeegeesegment 190 with a planar protruding edge 191 and concave V-shapedsqueegee walls 193/194; and FIG. 12d illustrates a squeegee segment 195with a jagged protruding edge 196 a grooved squeegee wall 197 that isgrooved in the squeegee protruding direction.

[0073] The squeegee segments in FIGS. 11a-f and FIGS. 12a-d showsegments of contoured squeegee protruding edges and contoured squeegeewalls, respectively. These squeegee segments are segments of linearsqueegees members, circular squeegee members, spiraling squeegee membersand other continuous or elongated squeegee members. FIG. 13a shows aperspective view 250 of a substantially circular squeegee member 251with a contoured protruding squeegee edge 252 and a contoured squeegeewalls 253/254. The protruding squeegee edged 252 and the squeegee walls253/254 are contoured in a wave-like fashion. FIG. 13b is a topperspective view 260 of the squeegee member 251 to clearly show thewave-like contouring of the squeegee member walls 253/254.

[0074] Embodiments of the present invention have many application inhand-held and hand operated squeegee cleaning devices, wherein thecleaning action is generated by moving the cleaning device across asurface. However, several of squeegee configurations also haveapplication in rotary cleaning systems where a substantial portion ofthe squeegee action arises from rotational motion of a squeegee cleaningportion. FIG. 14 shows a top perspective view 350 of a squeegee cleaningportion 351 having several substantially circular squeegee members 352,354 and 356. Positioned between circular squeegee channels, there areseveral radially positioned squeegee segment members 358,360 and 362.The radially positioned squeegee segment members, 358,360 and 362,provide rotary squeegee cleaning action when the squeegee cleaningportion 351 is attached to a rotary device (not shown) and is rotated ina rotary direction 353. Squeegee cleaning sections, such as the oneillustrated in FIG. 14, have applications in rotary cleaning systems forcleaning floors and polishing surfaces.

[0075]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view 450 of a rotary squeegee cleaningportion 451 that is particularly useful for cleaning inner surfaces ofvessels and cavities. The rotary squeegee cleaning portion 451 hassubstantially circular squeegee members 458, 460 and 462 protruding fromthe sides of an elongated tubular squeegee support member 452. Severallinear squeegee segments 468, 466 and 464 also protrude from the sidesof the elongated tubular squeegee support 452 and extend in an elongateddirection 455. The linear squeegee segments 468, 466 and 464 arepreferably connected to the squeegee walls of the substantially circularsqueegee members 458, 460 and 462. Substantially circular squeegeemembers 454 and 456 and linear squeegee segments 464 and 470 alsoprotrude from the curved top portion 452 of the elongated squeegeesupport. The rotary squeegee cleaning portion 451 has an attachmentportion 474 for attaching the rotary squeegee cleaning portion 451 to arotary device (not shown) in order to provide squeegee cleaning actionin the rotary direction 453. A rotary squeegee cleaning portion, such asthat shown in FIG. 15, can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes. Alarger rotary squeegee portions may be attached to an extendable rotarydevice and used to clean inside surfaces of glass containers or pipes.Micro-rotary squeegee portions maybe attached to catheter devices andused to clear arteries or remove tissue from the inner walls of vesselsor cavities during medical procedures.

[0076]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view 500 of a cleaning device 551 thatemploys a preferred squeegee configuration. Several continuous squeegeemembers 554, 556, 558 and 560 protrude from a cleaning head 553. Severalsqueegee segments 562, 564 and 566 with curve contoured protrudingsqueegee edges are positioned in the squeegee channels formed by thecontinuous squeegee members 554, 556, 558 and 560. The cleaning head ispreferably attached to a handle portion 552. The cleaning device 551 isparticularly useful for cleaning dishes and the like.

[0077]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view 750 of a dentition cleaningdevice 751 that has a handle portion 754 and a dentition squeegeecleaning portion 752 in accordance with the present invention. Thedentition cleaning device 751 preferably has a dentition squeegeecleaning portion 752 with squeegee members configured according to FIGS.18a-c. FIG. 18a shows a top perspective view 850 of a dentition squeegeecleaning portion 851 with a plurality of linear squeegee segment members854 and 856 protruding from a support member 852 and that are positionedat alternating angles. FIG. 18b shows a top perspective view 860 of themost preferred dentition squeegee cleaning portion 861. The dentitionsqueegee cleaning portion 861 has a spiraling squeegee section 864protruding from a support 862. Preferably, the spiraling squeegeechannel 866 is sufficiently narrow such that water can readily enter thechannel but also has retention within the channel. FIG. 18c shows topperspective view 870 of an alternative dentition squeegee cleaningportion 871. A continuous squeegee member 874 and several squeegeesegments 876 and 876′ protrude from a support member 872. Within theinner region of the continuous squeegee member 874, and the between thesqueegee segments 876 and 876′, there are several bristle sections 878protruding from the support member 872.

[0078] It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the aboveembodiment may be altered in many ways without departing from the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should bedetermined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A squeegee cleaning device comprising a squeegeecleaning portion, said squeegee cleaning portion comprising: a) asqueegee support member comprising a front surface, an edge surface anda back surface; b) at least one elongated squeegee member and elongatedsqueegee walls extending in at least two non-parallel elongationdirections, wherein said elongated squeegee walls have thickness indirections normal to said at least two non-parallel elongationdirections and said at least one elongated squeegee member protrudeswith a protruding squeegee edge from said squeegee support in at leastone protruding direction.
 2. The cleaning device of claim 1, furthercomprising a cleaning portion attached to said back surface of saidsqueegee support member, wherein said cleaning portion is selected fromthe group consisting of a squeegee portion, a brush portion, a spongeportion and a scouring pad portion.
 3. The cleaning device of claim 1,further comprising a squeegee template portion for securing saidsqueegee cleaning portion and through which said at least one squeegeemember is retractable and through which said at least one squeegeemember is extendible.
 4. The cleaning device of claim 3, furthercomprising a cleaning section attached to said squeegee templateportion, wherein said cleaning section is selected from the groupconsisting of a squeegee, a brush, a sponge and a scouring pad.
 5. Thecleaning device of claim 2, further comprising a handle attached to saidsqueegee template portion.
 6. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinsaid two non-parallel elongation directions are substantially orthogonalelongation directions.
 7. The cleaning device of claim 1, furthercomprising a cleaning section attached to said front surface of saidsqueegee support member, wherein said cleaning section is selected froma squeegee section, a brush section, a sponge section and a scouring padsection.
 8. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein said squeegeesupport member is a flexible contoured squeegee support member whereinsaid front surface of said squeegee support member is a convex frontsurface and said back surface of said squeegee support member is aconcave back surface.
 9. The cleaning device of claim 8, furthercomprising a ring member attached near said edge surface of saidsqueegee support member.
 10. The cleaning device of claim 8, furthercomprising a cleaning head comprising a front surface and a backsurface, wherein said contoured squeegee support member is attached tosaid cleaning head such that said front surface of said cleaning headand said concave back surface of said contoured squeegee support memberform a cushion cavity.
 11. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein saidcushion cavity is filled with a soft malleable gel material.
 12. Thecleaning device of claim 10, further comprising a handle member attachedto said cleaning head.
 13. The cleaning device of claim 10, furthercomprising a second cleaning portion attached to said back surface ofsaid cleaning head, wherein said second cleaning portion is selectedfrom the group consisting of a squeegee portion, a brush portion, asponge portion and a scouring pad portion.
 14. The cleaning device ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one squeegee member is made from amaterial selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber andurethane.
 15. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein said at least oneelongated squeegee member is a spiraling squeegee member encircling aportion of said support member to form a spiraling squeegee channel. 16.The cleaning device of claim 6, further comprising a cleaning sectionpositioned within said spiraling squeegee channel and attached saidfront surface of said squeegee support member, wherein said cleaningsection is selected from the group consisting of a squeegee section, abrush section, a sponge section and a scouring pad section.
 17. Thecleaning device of claim 6, wherein at least one elongated squeegeemember is a continues squeegee member that encircles a portion of saidsqueegee support member forming an inner squeegee region and an outersqueegee region.
 18. The cleaning device of claim 17, further comprisinga cleaning section positioned within said inner squeegee region andattached to said front surface of said squeegee support member, whereinsaid cleaning section is selected from the group consisting of asqueegee section, a brush section, a sponge section and a scouring padsection.
 19. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein a said protrudingedge of said at least one elongated squeegee member is contoured withraised and depressed surfaces.
 20. The cleaning device of claim 1,wherein said elongated squeegee walls of said at least one elongatedsqueegee member is contoured with raised and depressed surfaces.
 21. Thecleaning device of claim 1, wherein said squeegee portion furthercomprises apertures positioned substantially on said front surface ofsaid squeegee support member through which a cleaning medium is capableof passing through.
 22. A squeegee cleaning device comprising a squeegeecleaning portion, said squeegee cleaning portion comprising: a) asqueegee support member comprising a front surface, an edge surface anda back surface; b) at least one elongated squeegee member with elongatedsqueegee walls extending in a plane of directions, wherein saidelongated squeegee member has thickness in directions normal to saidplane of directions and said elongated squeegee member protrudes with aprotruding squeegee edge from said squeegee support in at least oneprotruding direction.
 23. The cleaning device of claim 22, wherein atleast one elongated squeegee member is selected form the groupconsisting of a spiraling squeegee member and a continuos squeegeemember.
 24. A squeegee cleaning device comprising a squeegee cleaningportion, said squeegee cleaning portion comprising: a) a squeegeesupport member comprising a front surface, an edge surface and a backsurface; b) a set of elongated squeegee members wherein each squeegeemember within said set has elongated squeegee walls extending in a planeof directions, wherein said each squeegee member has thickness indirections normal to said plane of directions and said each squeegeemember protrudes with protruding squeegee edges from said squeegeesupport in at least one protruding direction.
 25. The cleaning device ofclaim 24, wherein said set of elongated squeegee members comprises atleast one substantially continuos squeegee member.